As I have mentioned previously we have had cool and wet Springs for 2010 and 2011 in the Pacific Northwest. Finally, this year, we are getting some sun and maybe better fruit sets......finally !

I have experimented with hand pollenation this year....modest (I think) success).

But now I am wondering about the idea of experimenting with putting mylar reflective coating under a couple apple trees to try to improve the fruit set for next year on a couple trees that just don't seem to have had many blossoms or, now, apples.

My question is: Would that work? Or am I too late? I have heard different things. I have heard bud differentiation takes place in late Spring for the next year.....and I have heard bud differentiation takes place all during the summer. Tomorrow is officially summer.....which is it? (thanks)